Colombia intensifies biodiversity conservation efforts via COP16 and national agendas

Colombia is intensifying efforts to meet global biodiversity targets through participation in COP16 and the implementation of national conservation agendas. The COP16 conference, held in Cali from October 21 to November 1, 2024, serves as a critical platform for 196 countries to address the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which aims to halt nature loss by 2030.

In preparation for the summit, the ‘Gran Juntanza Ambiental por la Biodiversidad’ was held in Yumbo, Valle del Cauca. This gathering brought together over 400 civil society leaders, organizations, and collectives, including the Coalition of Social Movements and Organizations of Colombia (COMOSOC) and the National Union for Rural Integration (ASUNIR), to strengthen social mobilization for environmental defense.

Domestically, the Colombian Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development is advancing the ‘Agenda ABC’ (Water, Biodiversity, and Communities). This initiative focuses on protecting strategic ecosystems, restoring degraded areas, and managing invasive species. The government aims to address key pressures such as deforestation, illegal wildlife trafficking, and pollution to ensure the country meets its 2030 commitments.